Bulog President Director Ready to Export Rice at Competitive Prices Following President's Orders

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The President Director of Perum Bulost, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, stated that the state-owned enterprise is prepared to implement President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to export Indonesian rice at competitive prices to maintain farmer welfare and enhance the national economy.

“We are ready. As soon as there is an order, we are prepared to execute it. In accordance with the President’s (Prabowo Subianto) direction,” Rizal told ANTARA in Jakarta on Monday.

Previously, during the launch of 1,061 Red and White Village/Sub-district Cooperative (KDKMP) outlets in Nganjuk Regency, East Java, on Saturday (16/5), President Prabowo Subianto directly addressed Bulog’s readiness to face Indonesian rice export opportunities. During his speech, the President called upon Bulog President Director Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, who was positioned below the stage, to remind him that Indonesian rice should not be sold too cheaply in export markets.

“Where is the Bulog President Director?” the President asked. “Ready,” Rizal replied briefly. “Do not sell too cheaply,” the President warned. “Ready, Sir,” Rizal responded. “Do not undercut, but do not sell too cheaply,” Prabowo continued.

The President emphasised that the global food situation remains full of uncertainty, necessitating that Indonesia remains cautious in maintaining national rice reserves while opening export opportunities to other nations.

“Remember, this crisis could be long-lasting. Our priority is to secure our people first,” said Prabott, to which the Bulog President Director again responded with readiness.

President Prabowo revealed that several countries have begun communicating with Indonesia to purchase rice amidst the increasingly uncertain global food situation. Demand is coming from various nations, including neighbouring countries in the region. According to the President, several countries that previously felt more secure in food matters are now approaching Indonesia to request supplies.

“Those who consider themselves greater than us. But now they come to Indonesia asking, ‘Is it possible for us to buy rice?’” said Prabowo.

He noted that some countries still appear cautious and have not yet openly made requests as they are still attempting to source supplies from other nations. “India has closed [exports]. Followed by Bangladesh closing [exports]. Eventually, there are countries that are now coming to us,” said the President.

Nevertheless, Prabowo emphasised that Indonesia will continue to assist other nations in need of food. However, he requested that export prices remain profitable for domestic farmers and ensure they are not disadvantaged. “I said, give it. If they need it, we must help. We sell to them, but the price must be appropriate. Do not let our farmers be victims. The price must at least yield a small profit,” said Prabowo.

Regarding this, the Bulog President Director admitted readiness to move quickly in executing government assignments, including the management of government rice reserves and national food distribution. Therefore, every directive provided will be immediately executed.

“If there is an order, we will execute it immediately and follow up,” he said.

However, Rizal admitted that, as of now, Bulog does not yet know the exact amount of rice to be prepared for export needs. He noted that communications regarding international demand are conducted directly at the head-of-state level.

“We do not yet know how much is being requested; we are not aware. The communication is handled by him; I do not know. This is communication between heads of state,” Rizal said.

As of Saturday (16/5), Perum Bulog manages 5.32 million tonnes of government rice reserves stored across the state-owned food enterprise’s warehouses. For rice exports, Bulog is currently in the price negotiation stage with Malaysia. The planned export to the neighbouring country reaches 200,000 tonnes, with the transaction value estimated at approximately Rp2 trillion.

Rizal mentioned that the Malaysian side offered a price below Rp10,000 per kilogram (kg), while Bulog seeks a higher price consistent with the quality of the rice offered.

“They are bidding below Rp10,000 per kg,” he said.

He added that the price proposed by Indonesia is in the range of Rp13,000 to Rp14,000 per kg, as the rice offered falls into the premium category.